Factory HU, which after market speakers will sound good

[Scotty1981]

I wanted to find some good speakers that won't be underpowered by the factory HU I don't really want to mess with an amp at this time.

 

[webby]

Budget? Replacing front & rear? There are users who can probably give suggestions based on knowing that info

 

[Pauly99to17]

I don't think there are any unfortunately. It seems our HU only sounds good on our factory speakers. From what i have read from other members who have tried to do the simple speaker swap, the results were lackluster and not worth it.

 

[hotshot]

I think people might be replacing the stock separates with coaxials

 

[Scotty1981]

I was looking at http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB651S/Polk-Audio-db651s.html or http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DXI650S/Polk-Audio-DXi-650s.html

Sounds like I shouldn't do it unless I was replacing the HU also and I am not sure if I want to do that after I read a thread about someone having issues with the CAN bus system

 

[Pauly99to17]

No, don't need to replace the HU....just add a small amp to power the speakers properly.

 

[promar93]

I've heard the sound out of the alpine power pack amp. It's a small amp to get better sound when replacing the factory speakers. And he got it installed behind the dash. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500KTP445U/Alpine-KTP-445U-Power-Pack.html

 

[bad fishy]

I've heard the sound out of the alpine power pack amp. It's a small amp to get better sound when replacing the factory speakers. And he got it installed behind the dash. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500KTP445U/Alpine-KTP-445U-Power-Pack.html

I like the looks of this one for my next audio upgrade. Thanks!

 

[Scotty1981]

Do they make a small amp like that but say 75 RMS or 100 RMS? If I have to use an amp I may as well get good speakers, I was only trying to keep the speakers cheaper so they weren't under powered and sounding like crap.

I may have to put it under a seat or something but I think this may be worth the extra $100 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136JX3604/JL-Audio-JX360-4.html

 

[hotshot]

I dunno about that alpine powerpack. I think the best route to take if youre wanting to keep the factory headunit would be something like a JL cleansweep or a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty or something like that. a stand alone signal processor, and then sticking in a separate amp, but It's more time consuming, and more expensive, but its the best way.

 

[Scotty1981]

This is going to cost me isn't it. 300 would be great but I'd probably rather save up for a year or two and spend 800 to do it right I don't mind replacing the head unit as long as I won't have any weird issues

 

[hotshot]

The best way is replacing the factory HU with a good source unit, then putting an amp on that signal with better speakers . But I'm hearing that people are having issues and loosing some of the inherent functionality of the car when they take the HU out. So the next best would be a stand alone signal processor, and sticking an amp on that signal. The sig processor is gonna be about the same price as a good source unit.

 

[Scotty1981]

I don't mind losing the steering wheel controls and music screen on the Imid, is there anything else I would lose on an lx or any other issues regarding the CAN bus

 

[hotshot]

Not that I'm aware of. Im not sure if the LX comes with Bluetooth or not, but if it does, then you'll lose that too unless you get a head unit that has it. Also the iPod hookup in the glove box and the auxiliary port in the console.

 

[Scotty1981]

No bluetooth that sucks on the other two connections

 

[hotshot]

Yeah those go to the HU, but most likely a new HU will have both

 

[Scotty1981]

Yeah those go to the HU, but most likely a new HU will have both

I'd like to keep them in the same locations though.

 

[hotshot]

It might not be that hard if you feel like taking out the whole center console and routing it back through. New HU USB cables are short sometimes so you might need an extension, so it's possible.

 

[promar93]

I dunno about that alpine powerpack. I think the best route to take if youre wanting to keep the factory headunit would be something like a JL cleansweep or a Rockford Fosgate 3sixty or something like that. a stand alone signal processor, and then sticking in a separate amp, but It's more time consuming, and more expensive, but its the best way.

Definitely Alpine's powerpack unit isn't going to be the best solution. That all depends on your budget and what you are committed to achieving. The powerpack works only b/c its a cheaper alternative w/ line level inputs and can run on the HU power from the car. The signal processing is gonna be weak in that unit, but better than stock. But I agree w/ hotshot, if you want it done right w/ your HU. Separate signal processor, separate amps and power is your best solution.

 

[Scotty1981]

I don't plan on a sub are you saying I should use a separate amp for each speaker?